Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. White blood cell count of 15,000.
• B. Blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL.
• C. Sodium level of 145 mEq/L.
• D. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL indicates the need for insulin to manage diabetic ketoacidosis.

2. A client is receiving continuous intravenous heparin for a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to ensure therapeutic heparin levels?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR)
• B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most accurate measure of heparin's therapeutic effect. Heparin increases the time it takes for blood to clot, and the aPTT helps determine whether the dose is within the desired range for anticoagulation therapy. Monitoring the INR, hemoglobin, or platelet count is not specific to assessing therapeutic heparin levels and may not reflect the anticoagulant effect of heparin.

3. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and has been prescribed a bowel preparation. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?

• A. Eat a low-fiber diet the day before the procedure
• B. Drink clear liquids 24 hours before the procedure
• C. Take the entire bowel preparation as directed
• D. Avoid all solid foods 12 hours before the procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to provide to a client scheduled for a colonoscopy and prescribed a bowel preparation is to take the entire bowel preparation as directed. Completing the entire bowel preparation as prescribed is crucial to ensure the colon is properly cleansed for the colonoscopy. Incomplete bowel prep can interfere with the visualization of the colon, leading to inaccurate results. Choices A, B, and D are important but not as crucial as ensuring the complete intake of the bowel preparation for an effective procedure.

4. A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication ____________.

• A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
• B. May lead to oliguria
• C. May cause irritability and anxiety
• D. Sometimes alters consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Can predispose to dysrhythmias. Hypokalemia combined with digoxin increases the risk of dysrhythmias due to the potentiation of digoxin's effects on cardiac conduction. Choice B, May lead to oliguria, is incorrect because hypokalemia is not typically associated with oliguria. Choice C, May cause irritability and anxiety, is incorrect as these symptoms are more commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Choice D, Sometimes alters consciousness, is incorrect as altered consciousness is not a typical effect of hypokalemia combined with digoxin.

5. What is the primary purpose of the logrolling technique for turning?

• A. To decrease the risk of back injury by working together.
• B. To maintain straight spinal alignment.
• C. To increase client safety by using two or three people.
• D. To reduce the likelihood of skin damage by turning instead of pulling.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To maintain straight spinal alignment. Logrolling is a technique used to carefully turn a client while keeping the spine in a straight line, especially important for those with spinal injuries or after back surgery. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose is not specifically to decrease the risk of back injury but to ensure safe turning. Choice C is incorrect as the main aim is not to increase client safety by using multiple people but to protect the spine. Choice D is incorrect because the primary purpose of logrolling is not to prevent skin damage but to safeguard the spine during turning.

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